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The Key to Success
Paul Fanning, DTM ACME Shoe Company
The great Acme Shoe Company—a steadfast Davis was skeptical. success was. . . and silence reigned in the hall. have more members April 1 than they had in
Eastern-based company—was on the verge of Two weeks went by. On the third, Mr. Davis He repeated the question. Weaver stood there, March? I would wager that it didn’t. Whose job
bankruptcy. It was the dark and dreary days of received an envelope from someplace in West looking around and muttered, “see the people.” is it to find new members? Who can call those
the Depression, and its president could barely Virginia. There were four order forms and He repeated it again, a little more loudly, “see members who have not paid or dropped out for
keep the factory doors open, let alone maintain money for several pairs of shoes. The letter read, the people.” Davis jumped up and shook Buck’s whatever reason? Why it’s all of ours!
and pay a staff of salesmen. “I’m not happy with my results. Could only get hand. “Fellow Acme Shoe employees, you’ve SEE THE PEOPLE! A very simple set of words
On a fateful Friday when the latest weekly these four people to buy shoes. I’ll do better heard it from our top salesman of the year. His yet so powerful in their application. Think about
accounts, red splattered over the pages, came next week.” secret, why it’s so simple but we’ve forgotten the those people you work with daily. Do you think
across his desk, he reached for the stick phone And he did. Dozens of orders poured in, and key, see the people!” that any could benefit from the Toastmasters
and asked for his vice-president of sales, George in a few short months, Buck was top salesman. SEE THE PEOPLE! Fellow Toastmasters. We program? Do they need a little polish in their
Davis, to come and see him. . . pronto. “See here, The phone rang on Davis’ desk. A familiar voice have become so involved with Pathways, training public speaking? Maybe they lack confidence
Davis, we have to make more changes. I tell you rang out, “Davis! What’s that Weaver guy doing? and membership renewal that we’ve forgotten or have never had any training in the art of
we can’t afford to pay our salesmen, not one They don’t even wear shoes out there! I want one of the key secrets of the Toastmasters speechcraft. I think I see the light-bulb glowing
more red cent. Put an ad in the papers ‘Wanted him here next month so we can give him the program—members in our clubs. Members to over your head now-Toastmasters could be for
salesmen willing to work on commission.’ Let top salesman award. Make it happen.” help each of us grow professionally as speakers, them-but they need to be asked! And asked by
me know how it turns out.” Grateful he still Obliging, George contacted Buck, invited as evaluators and leaders. Where would we be if you, their friend and potential mentor.
had a job, Mr. Davis called various newspapers him and his wife to come to the Factory—all at we didn’t have enough club members to evaluate SEE THE PEOPLE! But don’t just stop looking
with the recommended (no, demanded ad) to company expense. those speeches—or to properly “staff” a club at your workplace. How about your church—
be placed. However, he made a mistake. He had The day arrived. The audience packed the meeting and (gasp) to give speeches? Who can anyone in a church leadership position that may
placed an ad in a small weekly that served a meeting hall, anxious to hear this man from mentor us or who can we mentor? need a boost in the skills-their self-assurance
rural area in the Appalachian Mountains. And Appalachia. Weaver, sitting next to his lovely but SEE THE PEOPLE! With the latest and professional speaking? INVITE them!
it was read by Buck Weaver, married, with two simple wife, was introduced, received his award. membership renewal period, our clubs need Maybe someone you’ve met in your volunteer
children. Unemployed, he signed up right away. The boss turned to him, asked what his key to members. What about your club? Did your club work, or even family members? Make sure you
24 ONE COMMUNITY VOICES! | APRIL 2019 25
